Wave drivers: Either fix issues or we will strike

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Union workers, bus drivers and passengers alike joined together. It was to raise concerns with the WAVE Transit Board at their monthly meeting today.

Everyone hopes public transportation is a safe way to get from Point A to Point B, but members of the Amalgamated Transit Union President Terrance Dewberry said that is not the case when it comes to WAVE Transit.

“It’s a continuing situation with breakdowns due to either poor service breaks, poor service air conditions, just the service of the buses pretty much,” Dewberry said.

Now they said they’re taking a stand, joined by drivers and passengers to say no to WAVE Transit.

“We have documented as much as we could and these issues still persist,” Dewberry said.

WAVE Transit, however, said they’ve inspected all of their buses and there are no safety concerns for those on board. The union said if communication between WAVE and its employees does not improve, they will strike.

“We are allowed to strike after August 1st,” Dewberry said. “If the communication is not what we need it to be for the service of the public, then we have the right to strike.”

But for now, the focus is on improving relations and better serving the customer. The next board meeting will be on August 27.